Become a Respiratory Therapist in Rhode Island
If you wish to pursue a career as a respiratory therapist in Rhode Island (RI) then it will please you to know that employment for the profession will grow by nearly 20% up between 2019 and 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To become respiratory therapist in Rhode Island you will need to complete an accredited program and obtain your respiratory therapist license. Below we provide information on schools, licensing, certification requirements, and careers data.
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- Respiratory Therapist Schools in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Certification and Licensing Requirements
- Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rhode Island
- Respiratory Therapist Employment Outlook Rhode Island
Top Respiratory Therapist Schools Rhode Island
| School | Area | Degree | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Rhode Island | Lincoln | AAS Degree | Learn More |
| New England Institute of Technology | Greenwich | AS Degree | Learn More |
The Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC) are responsible for accrediting respiratory therapist schools in the USA.
Listed above are the top 2 accredited respiratory therapy schools in Rhode Island.
Typically, in your studies to become a respiratory therapist. you can select between completing an associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors degree (4 years). An associates degree will get you started in your career whilst a bachelors degree will open up more career doors such as supervisory and management roles.
Learn more: Respiratory therapist program requirements
Rhode Island Respiratory License and Certification Requirements
Respiratory therapist certification is optional in Rhode Island however certification provides an extra layer of assurance as to your skills and competencies and may create further career advancement opportunities.
Licensing is essential. Once you have graduated from an accredited program it is required by Rhode Island law that you obtain a license to work as a respiratory therapist there. The Rhode Island Department Of Health governs the licensing of respiratory therapists in Rhode Island.
You can contact the Board directly using the details below:
Phone: 401-222-2828
Website: health.ri.gov
Learn more: Steps to become a respiratory therapist
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Rhode Island
| Average Salary | $66,990 |
| Hourly Wage | $32.21 |
| Bottom 10% | $52,500 |
| Top 10% | $83,750 |
| Employed | 310 |
The average respiratory therapist salary in Rhode Island is $66,990 – 5% above the national average.*
*Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (2019).
This equates to an average hourly wage of $32.21.
Salary levels for respiratory therapists in Rhode Island have increased by 7%, or $4,530, between 2015 and 2019.
Salary Range
- The top 10% of earners in the profession in Rhode Island had an average salary of $83,750
- The lower 10% and entry level respiratory therapists earned an average salary of $52,500
The table below further breaks down salary across the larger metro areas in the state.
| Metro Area | Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick | $65,260 | $48,550 | $82,680 | 400 |
Respiratory Therapist Employment in Rhode Island
There are currently 310 people employed as respiratory therapists in Rhode Island. This number has fallen by -6%, or -20 respiratory therapy jobs, between 2015 and 2019.
The table below compares respiratory therapy salary and employment with similar healthcare careers in Rhode Island;
| Career | Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Respiratory Therapist | $66,990 | 310 |
| Speech & Language Therapist | $85,450 | 600 |
| Physical Therapist | $85,540 | 1,100 |
| Occupational Therapist | $88,390 | - |
Related Content
We hope this guide helps you get started on your path towards becoming a respiratory therapist in Rhode Island. You might also be interested in the following related content:
- Find an online school
- Respiratory therapist schools NY